Assembly for the separation of multiple computers and the establishment of work stations

ABSTRACT

An assembly for separating multiple computers is disclosed. The assembly comprises vertical dividers suspended from horizontal supports which, in turn, are supported by free-standing side supports. The assembly is relatively inexpensive, provides privacy to students using a computer, and may be retrofitted onto existing computer tables wherein several computers may rest.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/898,606 filed Jan. 31, 2007, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an assembly that is capable of separatingmultiple computers and/or establishing individual work stations.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

As a result of the advantages that technology provides in education,virtually every classroom now uses computers in multiple ways to enhancethe learning process. As a result, classroom instructors often find itnecessary to have many computers available in a classroom for studentsto use. Often times, the easiest and most cost effective way toaccommodate a high number of classroom computers leads to placingmultiple computers on a single table or simply using student desks.Typically, this “computer” table is long and rectangular to accommodateseveral computers. As one can imagine, several computers sitting side byside on a single table provides virtually no privacy to the users ateach computer. This lack of privacy can be distracting to both thestudents who are trying to effectively use each computer as well as tothe instructor who is trying to instruct the students. Further, shouldthe students ever need to take an exam on one of these computers, thelack of privacy can result in poor concentration as well as studentspotentially seeing each other's work.

Today, if an instructor wants to provide privacy at classroom computers,he or she can place each computer on a separate desk or table spacedapart at a sufficient distance. This alternative is not veryspace-effective and may still have privacy problems. Another alternativeis to use cubicle-type desks (carrels) which provide privacy, but arespace-prohibitive and very expensive.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide privacy between multiplecomputers with a separate cubicle for each computer without incurringthe considerable expense and loss of space. Further, it would bedesirable to retrofit a standard table holding several computers toquickly and easily provide privacy between each computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an assembly for separating multiplecomputers. The assembly comprises vertical dividers suspended fromhorizontal supports which, in turn, are supported by free-standing sidesupports. The assembly is relatively inexpensive, provides privacy tostudents using a computer, and may be retrofitted onto existing computerfurniture wherein several computers may rest.

As aspect of the present invention provides an assembly for separatingmultiple computers comprising at least two free-standing side supports;at least one substantially horizontal divider support extending betweenthe at least two side supports; and at least one substantially verticaldivider located between the at least two side supports and suspended bythe at least one horizontal divider support.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an assembly forseparating multiple computers comprising at least two free-standing sidesupports; at least one substantially horizontal divider supportextending between the at least two side supports; at least onesubstantially vertical divider located between the at least two sidesupports and suspended by the at least one horizontal divider support;and at least one desk or table located between the at least twofree-standing side supports upon which computers are located.

This and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparentfrom the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly for separating multiplecomputers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a vertical divider of the present inventionillustrating openings for each horizontal divider support to passthrough in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a vertical divider mounted on two horizontaldivider supports with collars to adjustably hold the vertical divider inplace in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially schematic front view of an assembly separatingfour computers each resting on a separate computer table in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially schematic front view of the present inventionseparating four computers all resting on one computer table inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partially schematic front view of an assembly of the presentinvention separating eight computers, four computers resting on onecomputer table and four computers table resting on a second computertable in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partially schematic front view according to anotherembodiment of the present invention wherein the vertical side supportsare resting on the computer table.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an assembly 10 for separating multiple computers inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 10separates four computers 44 a-44 d resting on two computer tables/desks40 a and 40 b. Specifically, computers 44 a and 44 b both rest oncomputer table/desk 40 a and computers 44 c and 44 d both rest oncomputer table/desk 40 b. While a computer monitor, keyboard andcomputer processing unit (CPU) are shown together at each computerstation within the figures, the CPU may be located separate from thecomputer monitor and keyboard at the computer station or at a remotelocation from the computer station. Although computers are illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembly 10 may be used to separate othercomputerized objects including, for example, voting machines, gamblingmachines and the like. Further, the assembly 10 may be used to separateworkspace at a desk or table, whether or not any computerized object ispresent.

The assembly 10 comprises two free-standing side supports 12. As usedherein when referring to the side supports, the term “freestanding”means that the supports rest on the floor rather than being provided asan integral unit with a computer table or desk. Alternatively, the sidesupports may rest on the computer table or desk. The free-standing sidesupports may be made of metal, wood, plastic, composite, or any othersuitable material.

Extending between and attaching to the side supports 12 are threehorizontal divider supports: an upper front horizontal divider support22, an upper rear horizontal divider support 24, and a lower rearhorizontal divider support 26. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate three verticaldividers 30 suspended by the horizontal divider supports 22, 24 and 26.However, any desired number of vertical dividers 30 may be placedbetween the free-standing side supports 12 depending on the number ofcomputers one wishes to separate. Although three horizontal dividersupports are shown in FIG. 1, each vertical divider 30 may be suspendedby at least one horizontal divider support. The horizontal dividersupports may be in the form of rods having circular cross sections orany other suitable shape. The horizontal divider supports may be made oftubular steel, tubular aluminum, PVC piping, or any other suitablematerial. The horizontal divider supports may provide a conduit forelectrical wiring and outlets to provide electrical access at anylocation within the assembly. The upper horizontal divider supports 22and 24 provide a convenient means of storage for computer headsets andthe like.

End caps are located on the side supports 12: an upper front end cap 23,an upper rear end cap 25, and a lower rear end cap 27. The end caps aredesigned to accept each of the corresponding horizontal divider supports22, 24 and 26, such that each of the horizontal divider supports passthrough the side support 12 and extend into the end cap, but do not passthrough the end cap. The end caps 23, 25, and 27 may be hollowed to thesame shape as the corresponding horizontal divider support so that thehorizontal divider support engages with the end cap. The end caps may begrooved or ungrooved to accept the corresponding horizontal dividersupport. Although FIGS. 1-3 show the end caps 23, 25, and 27 on theouter portion of the side supports 12, the end caps may alternatively belocated on the inner portion of the side supports 12. In such cases, thehorizontal divider supports may pass through the end caps and into theside supports 12, but may not extend completely through the sidesupports 12. Further, a screw, pin, or similar object may be insertedinto the end cap and pass through the horizontal divider support, e.g.,in a direction perpendicular to the length of the horizontal dividersupport to lock the horizontal divider support into the end cap andprovide stability to the entire assembly 10.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the vertical dividers30 are suspended by the horizontal divider supports and, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, may hang at a clearance distance C above the computertables 40 a and 40 b. The clearance C may be any measurement that wouldprovide privacy to the computer user. The clearance distance C may rangefrom zero to 6 inches, typically from zero to 0.5 or 1 inch. In oneembodiment, the clearance distance is zero, and the vertical dividers 30touch the upper surface of the computer table or desk. In this case, thedividers 30 are supported by the horizontal divider supports 22, 24 and26, while resting on the computer table or desk. Further, the verticaldividers 30 may be moved along the horizontal divider supports to adjustthe space necessary for each computer.

A side view of the assembly for separating multiple computers 10 isshown in FIG. 3. The free-standing side support 12 comprises bothvertical support members and horizontal support members. For example,the free-standing side support 12 comprises a front vertical supportmember 14 and a rear vertical support member 15, as well as an upperhorizontal member 16 and a lower horizontal member 17. The free-standingside support 12 may be adjustable in height. FIG. 3 illustratesadjustable pedestals 18 a and 18 b attached to the bottom of thefree-standing side support 12. However, any suitable means for adjustingthe height may be employed including, for example, the front verticalsupport member 14 and the rear vertical support member 16 may betelescopic.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a side view of a vertical divider 30 whichextends beyond the front of the computer table 40 b. The extended lengthof the vertical divider 30 provides additional privacy to a computeruser. Furthermore, if additional privacy is desired, the entirefree-standing structure may be moved forward in relation to the computertable or desk.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 4, each vertical divider 30 has threeopenings to allow each corresponding horizontal divider support to passthrough the vertical divider 30. For example, each vertical divider 30has an upper front opening 32, an upper rear opening 34, and a lowerrear opening 36 which allows each corresponding horizontal support 22,24 and 26 to pass through and suspend the vertical divider 30. Althoughthe openings in FIG. 3 are round, the openings may be any shape providedthe corresponding horizontal divider supports may attach to the sidesupports. Each vertical divider 30 is positioned along the horizontaldivider supports to separate the computers 44 a-44 d from each other.Further, each of the vertical dividers 30 may be adjustably suspendedalong the horizontal divider supports to provide the adequate desiredspace for each computer.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of a vertical divider 30. Although a modifiedrectangle-type shape is shown, the vertical divider 30 may be anysuitable shape to separate the computers. FIG. 4 illustrates that oneedge of the vertical divider 30 may be angled. This feature allows acomputer user to enter and exit each computer area with ease. Thevertical dividers 30 may be made of a solid material including wood,metal, plastic, composite, or any other suitable material.Alternatively, the vertical dividers 30 may be hollow. The verticaldividers 30 may be upholstered by any suitable material to provide noisereduction. There are three openings in the vertical divider 30: an upperfront opening 32; an upper rear opening 34; and a lower rear opening 36.These openings allow each of the corresponding horizontal dividersupports to pass through the vertical divider 30 such that the verticaldivider 30 is suspended by the horizontal divider supports. While FIG. 4illustrates the openings as round holes, these openings may be any shapeso long as they allow the horizontal divider supports to pass throughand suspend them. Further, the vertical divider 30 may be attached tothe horizontal divider supports in any other known manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a vertical divider 30 and portions ofthe upper front horizontal divider support 22 and upper rear horizontaldivider support 24. In this figure, the upper front horizontal dividersupport 22 and the upper rear horizontal divider support 24 each passthrough the vertical divider 30. There are four collars 38 shown in thisfigure; two collars are located on the upper front horizontal dividersupport 22 on each side of the vertical divider 30, and two collars arelocated on the upper rear horizontal divider support 24 on each side ofthe vertical divider 30. These collars 38 may be used to adjustablysecure the vertical divider 30 along the horizontal divider supports.Collars 38 may utilize a set screw, compression fitting or other meansof fixing the collar 38 in place. Other means for securing the verticaldividers may be employed.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of the assembly forseparating multiple computers 10 illustrating variations in the numberand set-up of the computers separated. For example, in FIG. 6, theassembly for separating multiple computers 10 is shown separating fourcomputers 44 a-44 d, each computer setting on a separate computerdesk/table 40 a-40 d. In FIG. 7, the assembly for separating multiplecomputers 10 again separates four computers, 44 a-44 d, however, in thisfigure all of the computers are resting on one computer table 40 a. InFIG. 8, the assembly 10 serves to separate eight computers, 44 a-44 h,however, 44 a-44 d rest on one computer table 40 a and 44 e-44 h rest onanother computer table 40 b. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, there are three side supports 12.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another alternative embodiment of the presentinvention illustrates side supports 112 resting on the computer table 40a. The side supports 112 are attached to the computer table 40 a by afastener 118. A screw, bolt, pin, clamp, latch or any other suitabledevice may be used to attach the side supports 112 to the computer table40 a. In FIG. 9, the front vertical support member 114 of each sidesupport 112 is shown. Further, the upper front horizontal dividersupport 22 and the lower rear horizontal divider support 24 are shownextending between and attaching to the side supports 112. The horizontaldivider supports suspend the three vertical dividers 30.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 9 wherein the sidesupport 112 is a desk-mounted side support and further comprises a frontvertical support member 114 and rear vertical support member 115 as wellas a front upper horizontal support member 116 and a lower horizontalsupport member 117. The desk mounted side support 112 rests on thecomputer table 40 a and is attached by a fastener 118. Furtherillustrated in FIG. 10 is a side view of a vertical divider 30. Thevertical divider 30 extends beyond the computer table 40 a to provideadditional privacy to the computer user. There is a space between thevertical divider 30 and the computer table 40 a.

Another alternative of the present invention exists wherein thehorizontal divider supports may be telescopic so as to adjust thedistance between the side supports. This telescopic adjustability may inturn adjust the width of the assembly so that computer tables/desks ofvarying lengths may be easily retrofitted with the assembly. Further,this telescopic adjustability may allow the assembly to completelycollapse so that it may be easily stored and transported.

Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been describedabove for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilledin the art that numerous variations of the details of the presentinvention may be made without departing from the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

1. An assembly for separating multiple computers comprising: at leasttwo free-standing side supports; at least one substantially horizontaldivider support extending between the at least two side supports; and atleast one substantially vertical divider located between the at leasttwo side supports and suspended by the at least one horizontal dividersupport.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the height of the at leastone vertical divider is adjustable.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe at least one vertical divider is adjustable along a length of the atleast one horizontal divider support.
 4. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the at least two side supports each comprise at least onevertical support member and at least one horizontal support member. 5.The assembly of claim 1, comprising three of the horizontal dividersupports.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one verticaldivider comprises at least one aperture through which the at least onehorizontal divider support passes through.
 7. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising at least one collar disposed about the at least onehorizontal divider support and adjacent to the at least one verticalsupport member.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least onevertical divider is structured and arranged to rest on a desk or tableupon which the computers are located.
 9. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the free-standing side supports are structured and arranged torest on a floor.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the free-standingside supports are adjustable in height.
 11. The assembly of claim 1,further comprising a third free-standing side support located betweenthe at least two free-standing side supports.
 12. The assembly of claim1, wherein the assembly is structured and arranged to separate fourcomputers.
 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the four computers arelocated on two desks or tables.
 14. The assembly of claim 12, whereineach of the four computers is located on a separate desk or table. 15.The assembly of claim 12, wherein the four computers are located on asingle desk or table.
 16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assemblyis structured and arranged to separate eight computers.
 17. The assemblyof claim 16, wherein the eight computers are located on at least twoseparate desks or tables.
 18. An assembly for separating multiplecomputers comprising: at least two free-standing side supports; at leastone substantially horizontal divider support extending between the atleast two side supports; at least one substantially vertical dividerlocated between the at least two side supports and suspended by the atleast one horizontal divider support; and at least one desk or tablelocated between the at least two free-standing side supports upon whichcomputers are located.
 19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein thecomputers are located on one desk or table.
 20. The assembly of claim18, wherein each computer is located on a separate desk or table.